Mariners close to signing Iwakuma

We're hearing from CBS Sportsline that the Mariners are close to signing Japanese right-hander Hisashi Iwakuma, according to Nikkan Sports (via YakyuBaka.com).

There had been reports that as many as five teams had interest in Iwakuma, and then recently the number was listed at four, including the A's, Twins and Mariners.

The Pirates and Nationals were also rumored to be interested in Iwakuma at some point.

He played in Japan last year and went 6-7 with a 2.42 ERA in 17 games.

We'll report more here and on our blog as we learn more.